Policy Officer - Food & Farming (maternity cover)

Salary £30,500 - £32,270 pa FTE

Location: Bristol with hybrid working (40% office based)

Hours of work: 28 hours per week (4 days per week)

Closing date: 11/05/2025

About our Organisation

The Soil Association, formed in 1946, is the only UK charity which works across the spectrum of human health, the environment and animal welfare. That’s because we cannot tackle these issues in isolation.

We campaign for change, we support farming innovation, we serve healthy food in communities, we support and grow the organic market, and we protect forests. We couldn't do any of this without our supporters, partners, donors and dedicated staff. We make a difference in the world where it’s needed the most.

About the Opportunity

Due to impending maternity leave, the Soil Association is recruiting a fixed-term Policy Officer to provide policy, advocacy, and research support at this critical time. Working on issues spanning farming, land-use, and healthy and sustainable diets, the Policy Officer will help shape the organisation’s political and public influencing, providing support to colleagues across the Policy Unit and beyond. The Soil Association has a long track record of demonstrating and advocating for a food and farming system that has people and planet at its core, and this role in the Policy Department will provide a chance to have a real impact in bringing about change, as well as a great career development opportunity.

About You

We are looking for an individual with:

• Knowledge of policy issues relevant to food and farming.
• Experience of coordinating policy and/or advocacy projects.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience of stakeholder management and advocacy.
• Experience of research and analysis, ideally in a policy environment.

Our Benefits

We offer a range of financial and lifestyle benefits to all our employees, including:

• 27 days annual holiday increasing to 30 days with length of service plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time)
• Pension scheme with ethical investment options and employer contribution increasing with length of service
• Free membership of the Soil Association and discounts on organic produce
• Volunteer days to give back to the local community or support green initiatives
• Family friendly policies and flexible working
• Cycle to work scheme
• Sociable and engaging workplace of professionals that share a passion for healthy, sustainable lifestyle and produce

Hours

28 hours per week (4 days per week)

Fixed term - 12 months

Location

Bristol with hybrid working (40% office based)

To Apply

Click ‘apply now’ to submit your application form. Please note we look at applications on arrival and reserve the right to close this vacancy early.

Please check your junk/spam folder if you do not receive a confirmation email upon submitting your application. All candidates will subsequently receive an email to confirm whether they have made it through to interview stage.

For any queries, please contact [email removed - click apply for more details]

Please note we do not accept CVs or Cover Letters.

We know the value of diversity in nature and want it in our organisation. We recognise that diverse backgrounds and experiences will bring a fresh perspective to our work. If you're not sure about applying, please get in touch with us for a chat.

Thank you for your interest in supporting our work at the Soil Association.